Two Kenyan journalists fined Ksh.46,000 each or 3-year jail term for entering Tanzania illegally

Two Kenyan journalists who were arrested in Tanzania while interviewing members of the public on the status of the coronavirus pandemic in the country were on Tuesday arraigned in court and charged.

The two – Elimu TV cameraman Clinton Isimbu (22) and reporter Kaleria Shadrack – pleaded guilty to charges of illegal entry into the country and working without the appropriate permit.

They were fined TShs500,000 (approximately Ksh.23,000) for each of the 2 offences (hence Ksh.46,000) or sentenced to serve a prison term of 3 years.

Arusha Police Commander Jonathan Shanna, in a statement released on Monday, said the two sneaked into Tanzania through ‘panya routes.’

“Watuhiwa hao waliingia nchini kwa kutumia njia za panya. Kwa sasa watuhumiwa wote wawili tumewakabidhi Idara ya Uhamiaji  Mkoa Wa Arusha kwa hatua zaidi za kisheria,” read the statement.

On Sunday Longido District Commissioner Frank Mwaisumbe had confirmed the arrest and subsequent detention of the duo at Longido Police Station.